Inflammation is the body’s way of fighting off a foreign body, whether it is an actual object (such as a splinter) or a pathogen (such as a bacteria or virus).
Inflammation falls into two categories: acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term), and is one of the major symptoms of a range of diseases.
Some common symptoms and conditions are:
Acute
- Pain: The affected area hurts when touched, or it may hurt continuously.
- Swelling: This occurs when fluid builds up.
- Redness: The affected area is fighting off the foreign body, such as a splinter.
- Immobility or loss of function: The affected area, such as a joint or muscle, is stiff and difficult to move.
- Heat: The affected area is warm to the touch.
Chronic
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a complicated disease. In the simplest of terms, one’s body does not produce insulin, a hormone that is normally produced in the pancreas. The body breaks down carbohydrates into blood sugar (glucose) and uses it for energy; the insulin hormone is needed to get the glucose from the blood and into the body’s cells. Without this hormone, the person’s body cannot break down glucose. A person with diabetes manages their condition through diet, insulin injection therapy, medication, or a combination of all three.
- Cardiovascular disease: According to the American Heart Association, nearly half (48 percent) of all adults in the U.S. have some form of heart disease. Factors like genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet all contribute to heart disease.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This condition commonly affects joints, and it can also affect other parts of the body like the heart, lungs, skin, or eyes.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): affects the lungs. They become inflamed, which restricts airflow and makes it difficult for the person to breathe.
Over the last 20 years, the medical community has taken a greater interest in studying the causes and treatment of inflammation. It can be painful and severely limit a person’s quality of life.
Common treatments include medication, a modified diet, boosting one’s exercise regimen, and managing stress. Medication can be costly. Other treatments, however, are relatively inexpensive or entirely free, such as grounding.
A growing body of scientific evidence shows one of the most effective methods of managing or eliminating inflammation is available and as close as your own backyard or nearest green space—nature.
Simply spending time in nature—being surrounded by green trees and plants, breathing in fresh air, and feeling the sun on your face—can boost one’s mood, energy level, and minimize stress.
And the practice of grounding, also known as “earthing,” takes “getting into nature” to the next level by making direct body contact with the earth like walking barefoot on grass, sand, and soil, weather permitting.
Can’t get outside, barefoot, consistently due to where you live and your geography – or are you among those who actually do not enjoy immersing your feet into dewy grass or a sandy beach? That’s exactly why we created our HARMONY783 grounding shoes, which are available for both women and men in a variety of fashionable, super comfortable styles.
Science has been taking a closer look at the practice of grounding and related health benefits, of late. Some health professionals, such as the authors of a ScienceDirect article, say that grounding is as important as diet and exercise when it comes to overall well-being.
Grounding can alleviate conditions like anxiety, depression, and heart disease. It has also been shown to be highly effective in reducing pain caused by inflammation.
How can grounding help inflammation?
How does it work? Both the human body and everything around it, including the earth, are composed of energy. The theory and science behind grounding are that the practice can restore the body’s natural defenses.
The Healthline article explains the basic principles and benefits of grounding. The practice centers on a person being in direct contact with the earth, whether by walking barefoot in sand, soil or grass, or touching something in nature like a plant, rock, or tree with bare skin.
Through this direct contact, the earth’s natural supply of negatively charged electrons make their way into one’s system and essentially resets the body.
Many additional studies explain how grounding the human body positively affects one’s health. In the case of inflammation, one group of researchers concluded grounding reduced the number of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes—white blood cells that are commonly involved in inflammation. The researchers shared their findings in this Dovepress abstract.
It is reported that grounding also increases circulation and moves nutrients through your body easier and more effectively. This minimizes inflammation and can reduce the pain it causes.
“Can grounding help me?”
Anyone can try grounding. You can take your practice outside with your bare feet or wear grounding shoes when outdoors, or keep it indoors with the help of specialized grounding products like a mat, mattress pad, or bedding. You will likely notice the most beneficial effects of grounding when you are outdoors, one-on-one in nature.
There is no set routine or technique for grounding. In her book Barefoot Wisdom: Better Health Through Grounding, co-author and HARMONY783 co-founder Sharon Whiteley discusses grounding at length.
She explains the many different techniques for getting started (including showers, bubble baths, and pedicures). Practice for as little as 20-30 minutes a day to notice positive changes in your overall well-being.
Pain and inflammation can negatively impact your life, your livelihood, and absolutely your mood as well. Grounding is a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to find relief for your discomfort and get back to the life you love.
